Luke
12:22–34—Faith in the coming kingdom – the LORD gives it to
those ready for it.
In this sinful, troubled world in which we live, it is
altogether too easy to succumb to the cares of the world and become anxious.
But our heavenly Father, who desires only what is best for us, provides not
only for our earthly needs, but, more importantly, has provided for our eternal
salvation. We can rest secure in the fact that we have a loving and gracious
God who knows our needs and provides for them.
The little flock, about whom Jesus speaks, certainly
refers to the disciples. The little flock of believers has no reason to fear,
for God in His good pleasure has decided to give it the kingdom. Because of God’s
grace they have been drawn into the kingdom, the lives of the disciples are to
be marked by certain factors:
Ø A loose attachment to worldly goods so that they are ready to part with them. (fear of poverty must never interfere with benevolence; almsgiving is not merely giving what we can spare)
Ø A commitment to almsgiving (this kind of concern is good not merely for the receiver, but also for the giver, that his heart be freed of covetousness)
Ø An other worldliness (by doing good disciples are
laying up for themselves treasures in heaven; their hearts will be directed
heavenward where their treasure is.)
Prayer for hope of eternal life in Christ: Almighty, everlasting God, Your Son has
assured forgiveness of sins and deliverance from eternal death. Strengthen us
by Your Holy Spirit that our faith in Christ may increase daily and that we may
hold fast to the hope that on the Last Day we shall be raised in glory to
eternal life; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.[2]
Collect for Friday of the week of Pentecost 9: To whatever Thou has called us, O God, and at whatever cost, let it be. Only o Thou lead us, lest we stop anywhere when Thou art saying, “Come,” and by the gift of Thyself make us strong. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen [3] -05 August, 2022
[1] Luther’s Seal, copyright © Ed Riojas, Higher Things
[2] Collect for the hole of eternal life in Christ, Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House. St. Louis
[3] Collect for Friday of the week of Pentecost 9, For All the Saints, A Prayer book For and By the Church, vol. II © 1995 The American Lutheran Publicity Bureau, Delhi, NY
No comments:
Post a Comment